Abstract: B7.00003 : How the Icicle Got Its Shape

Author:

Martin Short
(University of Arizona)

The growth of icicles is considered as a free-boundary problem. A
synthesis of atmospheric heat transfer, geometrical
considerations, and thin-film fluid dynamics leads to a nonlinear
ordinary differential equation for the shape of a uniformly
advancing icicle, the solution to which defines a parameter-free
shape which compares very favorably with that of natural icicles.
Away from the tip, the solution has a power-law form identical to
that recently found for the growth of stalactites by
precipitation of calcium carbonate. This analysis thereby
explains why stalactites and icicles are so similar in form
despite the vastly different physics and chemistry of their
formation.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2007.MAR.B7.3